A record-high level of demand exists across the globe for technology goods, particularly mobile phones.
Pakistan, a nation of more than 225 million people, requires 36 million units yearly. Because Pakistan provides 93%+ of local demand through its recently adopted mobile device manufacturing programme, which has been successfully executed by the Engineering Development Board, the country may quickly grow exports by strategically combining its demographic strength and local need (EDB).
In appreciation of this, the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association and the Engineering Development Board (EDB) recently co-hosted a conference to highlight the industry’s enormous potential (PMPMA).
At the event, 31 local manufacturers were present, including well-known names like Samsung, Xiaomi, ZTE, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, Tecno, Infinix, Itel, G’FIVE, VNUS, Mobo Mobile, Digit, Dcode, Nokia, VgoTel, Qmobile, E-TACHI, Club, Calme, MeMobile, Hello Tech, Gresso, Emarat, Oukitel, MaxFone, Spice Mobile, Go
Mian Abdur Rehman, the chairman of the association, Muzaffar Piracha, the senior vice chairman, Aamir Allawala, and Zeeshan Mianoor were present (Deputy Vice Chairman). The Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmud, gave the occasion a special honour.
All the necessary stakeholders had a platform thanks to the event: Manufacturers of mobile devices, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and representatives of the Federal Board of Revenue, the Ministry of IT, the Ministry of Commerce, the National Tariff Commission, the Board of Investment, and the Ministry of Industries and Production. The initiative’s goals were to invest in the mobile assembly sector and create job opportunities.
The purpose of the Summit was to collect opinions from all interested parties about local mobile phone manufacturing in order to create a plan that would maximise industry output and benefit locals. The potential for local production to increase exports, create jobs, and strengthen the nation’s economy was highlighted by experts.
Pakistan started producing mobile phones in 2015, but despite being a third-world nation, the industry did not experience a significant change as a result of the absence of a policy framework. However, following 2018, the market for mobile gadgets in Pakistan started to boom. Local businesses invested more than $200 million in the industry. The Pakistani government created the first mobile device manufacturing policy as a result of this circumstance.
Major industry experts and government officials attended the event to discuss the potential of local mobile manufacturing in Pakistan.
It is estimated that the local mobile industry can generate approximately $14 billion for the national exchequer if it flourishes at a healthy pace and receives government support. A number of reasons were provided for the audience to validate their assumptions.
The first advantage of Pakistan is the availability and affordability of its workforce. In view of the labour-intensive nature of the industry, a mobile phone assembly plant requires a large number of employees to operate. Hence, low workforce costs make the product more cost-effective to produce.
Likewise, using solar energy could lower Pakistan’s energy costs, giving the country additional benefits. In comparison to other products and categories, competitive advantage is the key in mobile phone manufacturing.
The participants stressed the importance of the mobile phone industry and requested that the government pay special attention to accelerate the growth of this industry, while taking advantage of the export opportunity that could certainly increase Pakistan’s export to equalise its trade deficit. A friendly conclusion was reached at the end of the meeting.
